Aston Villa are ready to let star striker Ollie Watkins leave the club this summer as they look to rebuild their attack, according to Football Insider.
The Villans have enjoyed a fine season so far as they currently sit third in the Premier League table, and will face off against LOSC Lille in the last 16 of the Europa League. But their recent form domestically has been poor, as they crashed out of the FA Cup at home to Newcastle, and have picked up just one win in their last five games in the top flight.
That has seen them go from a title challenge to a battle to keep hold of their place to qualify for next season's Champions League, and the club are ready to act this summer to ensure the squad is strong enough to compete on all fronts going forward.
Aston Villa Plan Ollie Watkins Sale
ollie watkins
Watkins, who is the club's record goalscorer in the Premier League, has been a regular in Unai Emery's side this season, making 27 appearances in the Premier League and 38 in all competitions. However, his form has taken a huge downturn since last season, and the England striker has managed just eight goals and one assist.
The club have been open to selling the 30-year-old in each of the last two transfer windows as they looked to raise funds, but their ultimate aim was to keep him and strengthen around him. However, his form has seen that stance change, and they are now actively looking to move him on.
It's understood that due to his age and form, Villa would be open to a deal worth around £30m, and they are hopeful of replacing him with a younger, pacier striker who could compliment Tammy Abraham.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all previously shown an interest in the former Brentford man, but they all spent big money on new, younger strikers last summer and it's unlikely they return for him this summer.
Aston Villa Must Replace Watkins' Goals
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa
Watkins has been a reliable source of goals for Villa over the years, but he is struggling now and that is causing problems for the team when they need to etch out a result in a tough game.
Losing him isn't the biggest issue in the world, but it could become a major problem if they don't adequately replace him. GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to name some potential options to replace him, and this was its response:
Marcus Rashford – used up front, could lead the line more.
Dusan Vlahovic – linked as an ambitious summer target.
Jhon Duran – young ex-Villa forward ready to step up.
Nicolas Jackson – rumoured potential external option.
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